05032019-TT-01.qxd 04-03-2019 23:23 Page 1 13 chandigarh | gurugram | jalandhar | bathinda | jammu | srinagar | vol.139 no.63 | 20 pages | ~4.50 | regd.no.chd/0006/2018-2020 established in 1881 | tuesday, march 5,2019 CONG, JD(S) HOLD TALKS ON LS SEAT-SHARING IN KARNATAKA NATION ED QUIZZES CHANDA KOCHHAR FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE DAY BUSINESS /thetribunechd IN BRIEF CPI fields Kanhaiya from Begusarai in Bihar Patna: The CPI, part of the RJD-led grand alliance, has fielded former JNU student union president Kanhaiya Kumar from Begusarai. “Kanhaiya will contest parliamentary elections from Begusarai irrespective of the grand alliance seat-sharing formula. The alliance must take its final call over seat-sharing within a week,” said CPI state secretary Satya Narayan Singh. PAGE 7 ! haryana SEOUL FLOATS 3-WAY TALKS WITH US, NORTH KOREA WORLD /thetribunechd www.tribuneindia.com We count targets, not casualties: IAF Chief Says it’s up to govt to disclose bombing toll |Calls MiG-21 ‘capable’ fighter jet Tribune News Service BATTLE OVER New Delhi, March 4 IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa today avoided the ongoing political controversy, saying the IAF does not count casualties but the airstrike at Balakot had hit the “target”. The IAF had struck a terror camp of the Jaish-eMohammad (JeM) in Pakistan on February 26 and since then neither the IAF nor the government has listed the number of casualties. However, the media has been saying that nearly 300 terrorists were killed. The IAF Chief was speaking at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu for the first time since the attack at Balakot in Pakistan’s Khyber Paktunkhwa province. “We don’t count human casualties. We count what targets we have hit or not hit,” the IAF Chief said. “The bomb damage assessment only calculates the target that has been hit or not hit,” he said, adding: “We can’t count how many people have died. That depends on how many people were there.” He said a statement on the number of terrorists killed would be made by the government. On reports suggesting the bombs were dropped away BALAKOT Pak to implement UN curbs against terrorists Islamabad, March 4 Pakistan today promulgated a law to streamline the procedure for the implementation of the UN sanctions against individuals and organisations, amid mounting pressure from the global community to rein in the terror groups operating on its soil and curb their financing. The move comes amid tension with India following a suicide attack in Pulwama on February 14 by Pakistanbased Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group that killed 40 CRPF jawans. The foreign office said the government issued the UN Security Council (Freezing and Seizure) Order, 2019, in accordance with the provisions of Pakistan's United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Act, 1948. “The objective of the UNSC (Freezing and Seizure) Order, 2019, is to streamline the procedure for the implementation of Security Council sanctions against designated individuals and entities,” it said. Yesterday, Pakistan information minister Fawad Chaudhry said the government had taken action against proscribed organisations, including JeM, in the CHINA OFFERS SUPPORT TO CHECK TENSION 2-time MP Ghubaya Eye on polls, Haryana unveils Tests say it’s FMD, but resigns from SAD bonanza for plot owners Punjab plays it down SAD top shots in dock for ‘illegally meeting’ jailed IG Umranangal Acting secretary washes hands of BCCI missive Mumbai: Indian cricket board’s acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary on Monday washed his hands of the BCCI letter that urged the ICC and its member nations to sever ties with nations that harbour terror. The BCCI’s request was turned down by the ICC, saying it had no role to play in matters like these. PTI ‘Jai Hind’ after every flight announcement, crew told New Delhi: Air India crew will have to say “Jai Hind” after every flight announcement “with much fervour”, said an official advisory of the national carrier on Monday. “With immediate effect, all (crew) are required to announce ‘Jai Hind’ at the end of every announcement after a slight pause and much fervour.” PTI If this (airstrike) is done for polls, were there polls when we carried out the first surgical strikes (in 2016)? My objective is to end terror, while that of the Opposition is to remove me. Narendra Modi, PRIME MINISTER MOVE TO DEEPEN DIVIDE The targeting of Kashmiris, calls for abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A are turning this battle against terrorism into battles against Kashmiris and Muslims to deepen communal divide. Sitaram Yechury, CPM NO FAITH IN JUMLA JODI President Ram Nath Kovind with Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa during presentation of President’s colours, at Sulur in TN. PTI from the target, he said: “Had the IAF dropped bombs in a jungle, there would have been no need for Pakistan to respond. If we plan to hit the We all believe the armed forces. Are proud of them. We don't believe the Jumla Jodi. Are U sending our target, we hit the target.” On the MiG-21 still being used, the IAF Chief said: “The MiG-21 Bison is in our inventory, why not use it? It has been soldiers to die without a plan? Or purpose?... Or is your purpose only to win an election (sic)? Derek O’Brien, TMC WAS IT ELECTION GIMMICK? 300 terrorist dead, Yes or No? What was the purpose then? Were you uprooting terrorist or trees? Was it an election gimmick? Deceit possesses our land in guise of fighting a foreign enemy. Navjot Sidhu, PUNJAB MINISTER PM MUST APOLOGISE We have clearly stated our stand. From where this figure of 250-300350 is coming, including that by Amit Shah... The PM says IAF would have been stronger if we had Rafale. He must apologise... RPN Singh, CONG EDIT: GOING BALLISTIC OVER BALAKOT upgraded. It has got a better weapons system, better radars and better air-to-air missiles.” The IAF Chief refused to be drawn into a commentary on Khattar govt allows ground coverage up to 85% Ruchika M Khanna Tribune News Service Chandigarh, March 4 More than two years after his ties with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) soured, Ferozepur MP Sher Singh Ghubaya resigned today even as his parent party claimed he had been “expelled”. The two-time MP claimed , sources, was in touch with the Congress and the SAD (Taksali) and was seeking renomination from Ferozepur in the coming elections. The MP was tight-lipped on his future course, but speculation is rife he may join the Congress in Moga on March 7 at a rally to be addressed by party president Rahul Gandhi. “I am undecided on which way to go, but will surely re-contest from Ferozepur,” he told The Tribune. Sources said Ghubaya had told the Congress he would join the party only if given the ticket. He is also learnt to have begun back-channel talks with the SAD (Taksali). Elected on the SAD ticket in 2009 and in 2014, Ghubaya belongs to the Rai Sikh community, which has a considerable presence in Ferozepur. Ghubaya, whose son Devin- NEEDLESSLY TARGETED BY OPPN Pradeep Sharma Tribune News Service S S Ghubaya with his resignation letter at his native village. CONG MEN WARY Hours after Ferozepur MP Ghubaya resigned from the SAD, a row erupted in the Punjab Congress as old-timers warned the top leadership against fielding him on the party ticket from his current constituency. der Singh won from Fazilka on the Congress ticket in the 2017 Assembly polls, fell out with the top brass in 2016 after which his colleges were raided. Just before the Assembly polls, an alleged MMS purportedly showing him with a woman went viral. Ghubaya is the second Akali MP to quit the party. Chandigarh, March 4 In the run-up to the forthcoming parliamentary and assembly elections, the Haryana Government has unveiled a bonanza for plot holders, especially the small plot owners who will now be able to cover up to 85 per cent of their plot areas. According to the new amendments in the Haryana Building Code, 2017, which had already been approved by the state government, those owning up to 60 square metre can now cover 85 per cent of their plot area with floor area ratio (FAR) going up to 220 per cent. Those owning 60-150 square metre will be able to cover up to 80 per cent of the plot area and avail the FAR of 200 per cent. Similarly, for plot areas from 150 to 225 square metre, 70 per cent ground coverage and 180 per cent FAR has been allowed. Those owning plots with area 225-450 square metre will cover 60 per cent of the plot area and avail 160 per THE AMENDMENTS Plot area Ground Floor area coverage ratio Up to 60 sq m 85% 220% 60-150 sq m 80% 200% 150-225 sq m 70% 180% 225-450 sq m 60% 160% Above 450 sq m 50% 140% cent FAR. For the plots above 450 square metre, the ground coverage is pegged at 50 per cent, while the FAR at 140 per cent, a draft notification issued by Town and Country Planning Director K Makrand Pandurang said. The new amendments, which would be notified by the state government after one month of receiving suggestions, are the offshoot of the persistent demands of the residents living in “core areas” in thickly populated towns. Officials highlighted that the “core areas” meant thickly populated areas of the old towns, areas of the villages included in the municipalities and areas shown as existing town in the development plan. They said the amendments were in accordance with the recent relief announced by the state government for the residents of the urban areas. The state government recently allowed four storeys (ground plus three storeys) besides the basement in the urban areas. While the maximum permissible height for buildings is 15 metre, these can go up to 16.5 metre after permission from the Fire Department. Since population has increased many folds in the “core areas”, the relief through these amendments would go a long way in utilising the existing scarce land in a regulated way, the officials added. what difference the Rafale could have made, saying: “The Prime Minister has made a statement. I will not comment on that.” Vishav Bharti Tribune News Service Chandigarh, March 4 With almost 85 per cent its rural population engaged in livestock activities, the outbreak of the foot and mouth disease (FMD) is posing a threat to Punjab’s rural economy. The first such case was reported in December from villages in Mohali. Since then, the number has grown. The FMD lowers immunity and can be fatal. The state government sent some samples to the International Centre for Foot & Mouth Disease (ICFMD) in Bhubaneswar which has confirmed it is FMD. However, Animal Husbandry is playing down the outbreak, saying there had been "sporadic instances." Department Director Dr Inderjit Singh claimed there was no reason for alarm whatsoever. The disease is highly contagious and is bound to hit cattle trade. Every year, at least 900 cattle fairs are held in Punjab. Dr Inderjit Singh said such fairs could not be allowed in areas where FMD cases had been reported. Already, the state govern- Outbreak of livestock disease may hit state's rural economy THE KILLER DISEASE ■ The FMD is one of the most contagious livestock diseases, which spreads only among cloven-hoofed animals, including buffalo, sheep, goat, deer and pigs. ■ It is not normally characterised by high death rate but can severely affect productivity. That is why it is one of the most serious livestock diseases. ment has postponed the 11th National Livestock Championship which was to be held at Mohali. The disease outbreak also raises questions on the state's vaccination programme on which it reportedly spends Rs 12 crore annually. The government now plans to revamp the programme. Harappan site marauded by treasure hunters RAKHIGARHI PLUNDER Deepender Deswal Tribune News Service Rakhigarhi (Hisar), March 4 The world’s largest Harappan site in this village continues to be a happy hunting ground for collectors as well as traders in antiques. The site, that provides glimpses of the life and times of people who lived 5000 years ago, is attracting treasure hunters. Even locals have acquired artefacts excavated from the site which they proudly exhibit in their homes. During a drive by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) recently, a group of children displayed artefacts at the village chaupal. Each of them brought 10 to 20 items. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has declared parts of the site as 'protected.' But a large part remains vul- Artefacts make way into global markets, homes of locals too nerable to plunder.The entire area, including the ASI-protected mounds, are accessible to the common man. As a result, a number of artefacts — seals, gravings, pottery, figurines, bangles, beads and bone fragments — dug from the site have found their way to antiques markets. “There is no denying the role of unscrupulous elements. Some families from Rakhigarhi and Jind town are notorious for their involvement in such dealings”, said a villager. Dinesh, who motivated the children to display items at the INTACH-sponsored exhibition, said a number of villagers had acquired artefacts. Vazir Singh, associated with the excavation work for four decades, said he started collecting artefacts when in Class VI. "I have donated hundreds of items to the Haryana Archaeological Department and the National Museum. As children, we would play with marbles, placing bets on the artefacts. An Arya Samaj leader would take away the items from us in lieu of books and pens”, he recalled. But that changed after renowned archaeologist Ravindra Singh Bisht explained to him about the importance of the site during Continued on page 7 The antique items on display during an exhibition organised by the INTACH in Rakhigarhi village. PHOTO: BANSI LAL BASNIWAL ■ China has offered support to any measures that would calm down tension between India and Pakistan. The offer comes a week before the UN Security Council takes up the issue of declaring JeM chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. ■ China is no more resistant to the Financial Action Task Force bracketing Pakistan as a high-risk country that could lead to an IMF blockade on further bailouts in June. ■ On Azhar, there are indications that it is willing to trade a favour with India for not wielding a veto at the UN. TNS past and any future action against them would be taken in the light of the National Action Plan (NAP) and Pakistan's commitments in connection with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). However, sources said the Pakistan government has decided to launch a crackdown on terror outfits, including JeM chief Masood Azhar, to de-escalate tension with India. The official said the action against JeM is “expected any time soon”. — PTI Aman Sood Tribune News Service Patiala, March 4 The controversy surrounding VIP treatment to suspended IG Paramraj Umranangal at the Patiala central jail turned murkier today as it emerged that several Akali bigwigs allegedly met the Punjab Police officer illegally behind bars without their names finding mention in the visitors’ register. Punjab Jails Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who had ordered a “thorough probe” after The Tribune reported about the “VIP treatment”, today placed Jail Superintendent Jaspal Singh Hans under suspension. A probe report prepared by IG (Prisons) Roop Kumar Arora mentioned that former minister Surjit Singh Rakhra, MLA Harinder Chandumajra and party leader Satbir Khatra were among the prominent Akalis who met Umranangal. Former DIG Harinder Chahal, several other top police officials and two film personalities also called upon the suspended IG, the report said. Umranangal is an accused in the 2015 police firing incidents in Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan in Faridkot, which had claimed the lives of two Sikhs protesting in a mob against sacrilege incidents. When contacted, Rakhra said he didn’t discuss the Behbal Kalan incident and met Umranangal only as he was his old acquaintance. “I met him after acquiring due permission from the jail officials,” said Rakhra. Chandumajra said he “met the IG only for a short duration”. Continued on page 7

The Tribune, now published from Chandigarh, started publication on February 2, 1881, in Lahore (now in Pakistan). It was started by Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, a public-spirited philanthropist, and is run by a trust comprising four eminent persons as trustees.
The Tribune, the largest selling daily in North India, publishes news and views without any bias or prejudice of any kind. Restraint and moderation, rather than agitational language and partisanship, are the hallmarks of the paper. It is an independent newspaper in the real sense of the term.
The English edition apart, the 133-year-old Tribune has two sister publications, Punjabi Tribune (in Punjabi) and Dainik Tribune (in Hindi).